Systems and methods for purchasing gifts

ABSTRACT

A method of creating an aggregated Internet accessible registry includes the step of accepting a query from a registrant. The query contains an identifier and a search criteria, the identifier identifying one of a multitude of registry databases. Registries matching the search criteria in the selected registry database are retrieved. When the registrant selects one of the matching registries, a general user identifier that uniquely identifies the registrant is associated with the registry. Additional queries and registry selection completes the aggregation registry process. The aggregated registry is managed on-line by the registrants and accessed by guests. The aggregated registry provides a framework that allows automated updates by registry database provides without loss of the identity of an aggregated registry.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/681,452, filed Oct. 7, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/611,540, filed Jun. 30, 2003, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/273,326, filed Oct.15, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,753, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/459,766, filed Dec. 13, 1999, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,493,742, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of Internet accessibleproduct registries. More particularly, this invention relates to asystem and method for aggregating and managing multiple registries overthe Internet.

2. Description of the Related Art

The advent of widespread access to the Internet has generated interestin the development of web applications capable of accessing registrydatabases. Registry databases are collections of registries. Eachregistry in a registry database describes a registrant, an event, andthe items that the registrant would like to acquire in celebration ofthe event. Registry databases are generally maintained by retailers suchas department stores. An event may be, for example, an engagement,wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, religious holiday, babyshower, baptism, confirmation, Mother's day, Father's day, or othersignificant event. Further, rather than representing an event, aregistry may simply represent the generalized wish list of theregistrant.

Internet accessible registry databases have many advantages overregistry databases that are exclusively available in the store. First,an Internet accessible registry removes geographic limitations. Trips tothe store to purchase registry items or to create a registry are nolonger necessary. One simply accesses the registry over the Internetfrom the convenience of the home or office. The hassle of traffic,waiting in lines, and reliance on sales staff is circumvented. Using anInternet accessible registry, it is possible for a Tuscaloosa Ala.couple to register with a retailer in Manhattan, or for that matter,Venice, Italy. Second, for guests, the purchasers of registration itemsfrom a registry, options such as gift routing and wrapping areconveniently handled directly over the Internet. For example, giftwrapping and its concomitant hassles, such as waiting in long giftwrapping lines, is prevented by making such on-line designations. Third,Internet accessible registry databases provide advantages to retailerssuch as reduction in overhead costs and product exposure to an expanded,geographically unconstrained market—benefits that may be passed on tothe consumer in the form of reduced retail prices.

Retailers that provide registration services over the Internet typicallyrestrict the content of their registry databases to products offered bythe individual retailer or, at best, to those of a highly limited numberof retail partners. Thus, registrants to major events such as weddingsmust still register with several different retailers in order to attemptadequate coverage. Often registrants are not satisfied with the scope oftheir selections even after several different retailer-specificregistries have been made. However, the typical registrant does notcreate more retailer-specific registries because of the burden it placeson guests and because of the high degree of maintenance that is requiredby the registrant to maintain such a large number of registries.Further, existing retailer-specific registries do not offer registrantsthe option of registering unconventional items such as maid service,cooking lessons, or camping gear.

Even with the introduction of Internet accessible registries, thepractice of restricting registry database content produces theunsatisfactory result that guests attempting to buy gifts forregistrants must search multiple retailer-specific web sites. Suchinconvenience is magnified when the guest does not even know where theregistrant is registered. Several retail independent web sites haveattempted to address the shortcomings of retailer-specific Internetaccessible registry databases. These web sites allow a registrant tobuild a gift registry that is not retailer-specific. However, whilefunctional, such web sites are unsatisfactory in practice. Theregistrant must manually enter large amounts of information, such as aproduct description, price, and possible places that the registry itemcan be found. Further, there is no method by which a retailer can updatethe registry when a purchase is made. Rather, such web sites typicallyrequire that the guest update the registrants' web page as gifts arepurchased. This has the disadvantage that every guest must use theregistrant's web page and diligently update it. Often, this is simplynot possible because some of the guests do not have access to theInternet.

In view of the situation described, what is needed in the art is asystem and method for managing a large number of registries in a singleuniform environment such that the amount of work required by both theregistrants and the guests is minimized and the content of theregistries is expanded beyond traditional retail content.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and method for aggregatingregistries. The system and method allows registrants to collect allregistries, both custom and retailer-specific, in a single web site. Thepresent invention allows registrants to expand the number of event typesfor which they create registries. Using the features of the presentinvention, registries for even the most common events, such asbirthdays, are created by registrants and are easily accessed byrelatives and friends over the Internet.

In a preferred embodiment, a query from a registrant, which includes anidentifier and a search criteria, is received by a server. Theidentifier is used to select a particular registry database from aplurality of registry databases. The search criteria is used to identifymatching registries in the selected registry database. In response to aselection of one of the matching registries, a user identification thatuniquely identifies the registrant is associated with the selectedregistry. As the registrant selects additional registries, an aggregatedregistry forms that is composed of each registry that has been chosen.Because selected registries are associated with a user identificationrather than transferred to a secondary registry database, an aggregatedregistry typically spans multiple primary registry databases.

In another aspect of the present invention, a query is received from aguest and multiple registry databases are searched. The query typicallyincludes a name of a registrant and an event date. A unique identifier,for each matching registry in any of the multiple registry databases, isthen communicated to the guest. When the guest selects one of the uniqueidentifiers, the registry associated with the unique identifier isopened for review. The guest may pick items in the registry for purchasewhile the registry is open. In a preferred embodiment, the guest maymake additional queries. The additional queries may designate differentregistrants or additional event dates. As with the original query, eachregistry database is searched for matching registries. Uniqueidentifiers, each representing a matching registry, are communicated tothe guest. The guest selects one of the unique identifiers and thecorresponding registry is opened. Items selected by the guest from theopened registry are added to an aggregated purchase list that includesall items selected by the guest from previously selected registries.

When the guest has finished making queries and selecting items, a singlepurchase transaction is performed. The purchase transaction includes thesteps of producing a requisition for each registry database providerrepresented in the aggregated purchase list. Each requisitioncorresponds to a particular registry database provider and includes eachitem in the purchase list that originated from a particular registrydatabase supported by the corresponding registry database provider.Then, using a credit and/or debit system, such as a credit cardassociated with the guest, an electronic purchase transaction isexecuted for each requisition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a registrant may logonto a server. During the log in process, a unique user identifier isobtained from the user profile of the registrant. The user identifier isused to generate an aggregated registry that includes each registry in amultitude of registry databases. Once the registrant selects one of theregistries in the aggregated registry, management of the registry overthe Internet is possible. On-line management typically includesadding/deleting items from the registry, reviewing the registry purchaseorder history, altering an item order quantity in the registry,identifying a party that has made an order using the registry; and/orsending a message to a party that has made an order using said registry.

In yet another preferred embodiment, registry database providers mayaccess their registry databases from a server to review/update registrydatabases with in store activity, revise on-line catalogs of products,and review registry orders. However, even when registry databaseproviders update their respective registry databases, aggregatedregistries, i.e. the associations between user identifications andregistries, are preserved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a server in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates various sources of registry databases in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a registrant profile that includes a general useridentifier and personal data, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the processing steps associated with the method ofcreating an aggregated registry in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process for associating a useridentification with a registry in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates processing steps associated with management of anaggregated registry by a registrant over the Internet in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates processing steps associated with aggregate registryshopping over the Internet in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the steps for an exemplary process for aggregatedregistry shopping over the Internet.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example data structure of an aggregated purchaselist in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates processing steps associated with management of anaggregated registry over the Internet by a registrant that isfacilitated by use of a general user identifier stored in a user profilein accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates processing steps used by a registry databaseprovider to update an Internet accessible registry database in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a topology that interfaces an Internet accessibleregistry database with a master registry database and outlet storeregistry databases.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION General Architecture

FIG. 1 is a general illustration showing the architecture of system 100that is in accordance with the present invention. System 100 has astandard computer configuration including at least one centralprocessing unit (CPU) 102, at least one hard disc 104, an optional userinterface 106, a network interface 112, and a system memory 114 that areconnected by bus 138. Disc 104 is used to store various components ofsystem memory 114. Optional user interface 106 can perform tasks such asmonitoring traffic on system 100, controlling disc 104 data upload ordownload, and/or optimizing a component of system memory 114. Networkinterface 112 provides Internet access to system 100. Further, networkinterface 112 provides access to one or more remote servers 142.

The components in system memory 114 in this exemplary system include anoperating system 116 and the identity of registry database providers118. In one embodiment of the present invention, a registry databaseprovider 118 may be a retailer such as a department store. Each registrydatabase provider 118 may be associated with one or more registrydatabases 120. There is no limit on the number of distinct registrydatabases 120 that a particular registry database provider 118 may havein system memory 114.

In an illustrative preferred embodiment, each registry 122 in registrydatabases 120 may include search data such as the fill name of theregistrant and, if existing, coregistrants, an event date and location,the store number where registry 122 was created, and a sales consultantnumber or name. Registry 122 may further include a field that specifiesa registrant password that is used if the registry is to be passwordprotected by system 100. Similarly, registry 122 may specify a guestpassword that must be specified by a guest before access is granted toregistry 122. In the preferred embodiment, registry 122 includes ashipping address to use for purchases made prior to the event and asecond shipping address that is to be used after the event. Further,registry 122 may include a variety of control flags. For example,registry 122 may include a flag that controls whether the registry isaccessible over the Internet, a status flag that is capable ofdesignating whether the registry is “active” or canceled, a flag thatrecords when the last change to registry 122 was made, and/or anadd/update flag that may be used to synchronize registry 122 with aregistry on another server. Finally, each registry 122 in the preferredembodiment includes registry items 124. Preferably, each registry item124 has a retailer registry identifier such as a stock keeping unit(“SKU”) or a universal product code (“UPC”) number, a quantity desired,the quantity of the product that has already been purchased, adescription of the product, and the product purchase price.

The components of system memory 114 in the exemplary system of FIG. 1further include a profile database 126 that has the profile of eachperson that logs into system 100. People that log into system 100 may beregistrants of one or more registries 122, or guests seeking to purchaseregistry items 124.

System memory 114 also includes an upload module 128 for receiving anupdate of registry database 120 from a registry database provider. Suchupdates may be incremental updates or full replacements of a registrydatabase 120. In a preferred embodiment, a registry database 120 isassigned an update file and an associated update control file. Whenupdate of registry database 120 is required, a registry databaseprovider sends the update file to system 100 from a remote computerthrough network interface 112. Preferably, the update file is sent usingfile transfer protocol (FTP). Once transfer of the update file to system100 has completed, the update control file is sent. The presence ofupdate control file in system 100 triggers upload module 128 to open theassociated update data file and update the appropriate registry database120 with the contents of the update file. The update control file isthen deleted from system 100. One of skill in the art will appreciatethat numerous variations of upload module 128 are possible. All suchvariations are within the scope of the present invention. For example,in an alternative embodiment, the control file is not deleted fromsystem 100 after an update. Rather, upload module is triggered toperform a subsequent update when the timestamp of the update controlfile changes.

In some embodiments of the present invention, system memory 114 includesa download module 130 that may be used by registry database providers118 to download registry orders made by guests and/or registry 122updates made by registrants on system 100. In a preferred embodiment,download module 130 may be implemented as an FTP server. When a registrydatabase provider provides the appropriate password associated with theregistry database provider, access is granted and informationdownloaded. Preferably, registry orders are in a file with a customizedformat that was specified by the registry database provider 118. It willbe appreciated that the data transferred by upload module 128 anddownload module 130 may be secured in a variety of different ways knownto those of skill in the art. For example, the data may be encrypted,transferred over the open Internet, on leased lines, or on virtualprivate networks.

Web site 132 provides a graphical user interface that is used by guests,registrants, and registry database providers. Web site 132 includesthree modules, an aggregation module 134 for aggregating registries 120,a shopping module 136 that provides an interface to guests, and anon-line management module 138 that provides an Internet interface foron-line registry management by registrants. Web site 132 may optionallyinclude a variety of other modules, such as a registry database providerin store registry module 140. Module 140 may support registry databaseproviders such as small businesses or shop owners that do not have an inhouse electronic registry database. Module 140 may be accessed from suchbusinesses or shop owners and serve as a proxy to an in house electronicregistry.

The utility of upload module 128 may be further appreciated by referenceto FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, upload module 128 may be used to upload anInternet accessible on-line catalog 202 from a retailer. On-line catalog202 may include a list of products and/or services available from theretailer. In a preferred embodiment, web site 132 provides an interfaceto an on-line catalog 202. This allows registrants to access the on-linecatalog 202 through network interface 112 in order to build a registry.Registries built using web site 132 are added to the registry database120 that corresponds to on-line catalog 202. In a preferred embodiment,a diverse array of on-line catalogs 202 are hosted by web site 132. Suchan embodiment provides a replacement to in store registration and allowsa registrant to register with a wide array of registry databaseproviders and to specify unconventional gift items.

As shown in FIG. 2, upload module 128 may upload a registry database 204from registry database provider 118. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, upload module 128 may be used to poll select uniform resourcelocations (URLs) for content 206. When content is found at a particularURL, upload module updates a registry database 120 with the content fromthe particular URL. Therefore, in such embodiments, system 100 providesaccess to registry databases 120 from retailers that do not provideinformation directly to system 100 through direct channels.

Profile database 126 (FIG. 1) is used to store user profiles. A userprofile may include information about a registrant (registrant profile)and/or a guest (guest profile). As illustrated in FIG. 3, eachregistrant profile 300 includes a unique general user identifier 302.The general user identifier 302 provides a method for identifying,independent of the actual name of the registrant, a particularregistrant. A registrant profile 300 also includes a password 304. Whena registrant logs into system 100, in a preferred embodiment, theregistrant is prompted to provide password 304. It will be appreciatedthat the general user identifier 302 may serve as a password in someembodiments of the present invention and that, in such embodiments,registrant profile 300 does not have a separate password field 304. Asdepicted in the exemplary profile of FIG. 3, registrant profile 300 mayinclude a user name 306, an address 308, a telephone number 310, and anE-mail address 312. The registrant profile may also include demographicinformation 314 such as an age and/or household income.

In some embodiments of the present invention, registrant profile 300includes an event date 316 and an event type 318, such as a wedding orbirthday. Further, a personal web page 320 may be designed using aprofile wizard provided by web site 132 and associated with a particularevent. The personal web page may provide guests with information such asnews related to the event, driving instructions, hotel information,and/or uploaded images.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the registrantprofile stored in profile database is two-tiered. The top tier includesbasic information about a registrant, including a general useridentifier. Several lower tiered profiles may exist, each representing adistinct event for which the registrant has registered. Each of thesecond-tiered profiles may include an associated web page that providesinformation related to the event.

Preferably, each guest profile includes the information necessary tosupport a single click purchase by the guest. Such information typicallyincludes credit card and/or debit card information, a billing addressand a reference phone number or E-mail address. The guest profile istypically generated by prompts made by system 100 the first time a guestlogs in to the system.

Registry Aggregation

Now that the general architecture of a system in accordance with thepresent invention has been disclosed, the concept of registryaggregation can be described. Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary registryaggregation process is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, theexemplary registry aggregation process of FIG. 4 is hosted by web site132. In the first processing step of FIG. 4, a registrant logs intosystem 100 (402). In step 402, profile database 126 (FIG. 1) is queriedfor the registrant profile 300 associated with the registrant. Whenthere is no associated registrant profile 300 in profile database 126,system 100 generates a registrant profile 300 for the registrant andassigns a unique general user identifier 302. In the next processingstep, the general user identifier 302 is obtained from the registrantprofile 300 (404). In processing step 406, a query is accepted from theregistrant. The query includes the name of a particular registrydatabase 120 (FIG. 1) as well as search criteria. One of skill in theart will appreciate that several different techniques may be implementedto facilitate selection of a particular registry database 120 by theregistrant in processing step 406. As an example, the name of eachregistry database provider 118 may be listed in a pull down menu on website 132. When a registrant selects a particular registry databaseprovider 118, all registry databases 120 associated with the particularregistry database provider 118 are listed on a submenu. A particularregistry database 120 may then be selected from the submenu. Althoughmany other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention, ina preferred embodiment, the search criteria provided in step 406includes a first and last name and an event date.

In processing step 408, the search criteria specified in processing step406 are used to search the specified registry database 120 for matchingregistries 122. Next, in processing step 410, the registrant selects amatching registry 122. In processing step 412, the general useridentifier 302 of the registrant is assigned to the registry 122selected in processing step 410. Preferably, the assignment of a generaluser identifier 302 to a registry 122 is made by populating a specificfield in registry 122, which is reserved for general user identifiers,with general user identifier 302.

In a preferred embodiment, the assignment of a general user identifier302 to a registry 122 is not overwritten when registry database 120 isupdated by upload module 128. Thus, for example, the assignment is notoverwritten even when the registry database provider 118 associated withthe registry database 120 that includes registry 122 updates theregistry.

Registry aggregation occurs when the process illustrated in FIG. 4 isrepeated by a particular registrant. Each time the registrant repeatsthe processing steps of FIG. 4, an additional registry 122 is associatedwith the general user identifier 302 of the registrant. The collectionof registries, throughout the various registry databases 120, that havebeen associated with a particular registrant using a process such asthat shown in FIG. 4 is defined herein as an aggregated registry.

To illustrate the aggregation process of FIG. 4, FIG. 5 shows variousstates of illustrative web site 132 in accordance with the presentinvention. First, web site 132 provides a form 502 that facilitatesentry of the processing step 406 (FIG. 4) query. Form 502 includesfields 504 for the search criteria aspect of the query and field 506 forspecification of the registry database 120 to be searched. Field 504 mayinclude, for example, a first name and a surname. When form 502 issubmitted, search criteria 504 are used to search the registry database120 specified in field 506 for matching registries 122. Panel 508illustrates registries 122 found in the search. When a registrantselects a matching registry 122 from a panel such as panel 508, web site132 displays a screen such as that depicted in panel 510. In panel 510,the registrant confirms that he is the “owner” of the registry selectedin panel 508 by use of field 512. Then, the selected registry 122 isupdated to include the general user identifier 302 associated with theregistrant.

In view of the foregoing general description of the invention, thoseskilled in the art will recognize a number of benefits associated withthe disclosed technology. For example, there is no requirement that thevarious registries in an aggregated registry be in the same registrydatabase 120. Thus, there is no requirement that the various registries122 in the aggregated registry have a similar or compatible datastructure. Furthermore, because registries in an aggregated registriesare left intact in their native registry databases, it is possible forregistry database providers to upload database updates withoutoverwriting the associations made in the aggregation process. Anotheradvantage of the aggregated registry is that it is not dependent uponthe name of the registrant or other personal information provided by theregistrant. Thus, an aggregated registry can include registries thathave slight variations of the registrant's name, or indeed, differentnames altogether.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides apermanent framework for hosting registries throughout the life of eachregistrant. Accordingly, system 100 can be configured to send E-mailmessages to a registrant on the eve of birthdays, and other majorcalendared events. The E-mail message can invite the registrant togenerate an aggregated registry for the event. In another aspect of thisframework, customers can rely on system 100 to send them reminders aboutmajor events, involving friends, business associates, family members orcolleagues that may require the purchase of a gift or card.

Illustrative Registrant Session

To better appreciate certain aspects of the present invention, anillustrative registrant session is shown in FIG. 6. This illustrativesession may represent processing steps that are performed using theon-line management module 138 of web site 132. To begin, in processingstep 602, successful log in results includes identifying the generaluser identifier 302 associated with the registrant. Once processing step602 is completed, the registrant can add or create registries 122 (606).Registries 122 are added by selecting a registry database 120 andproviding search criteria such as an event date or name. The registrantmay select an identified registry 608, using techniques described abovein connection with FIGS. 4 and 5. Each time a registry 122 is selected,the general user identifier 302 is assigned to the registry. Registries122 are created in processing step 606 when the registrant uses web site132 to make selections from an on-line catalog 202. Repetition byprocessing step 606 results in the formation of an aggregated registrythat can be managed over the Internet in processing step 610. Theregistrant selects a registry (step 612) that includes the general useridentifier 302 associated with the registrant.

Once the registrant selects a registry 122, the registrant may updatethe registry (step 614). Such updates may include, for example, changingthe order item count of a registry item 124, and adding or deletingregistry items 124. Because the component registries 122 of anaggregated registry remain in their native registry databases 120, it ispossible to communicate the updates made in processing step 616 to theappropriate registry database provider 120 using downloader 130.

FIG. 6 illustrates other options available to a registrant. Inprocessing step 616, the registrant may obtain an updated registryreport that includes, for example, what registry items 124 have beenordered. Further, in processing step 620, the registrant may edit theregistrant profile 300. The illustrative session ends in processing step622 when the registrant logs out.

Illustrative Guest Session

To better appreciate additional aspects of the present invention, anillustrative guest session is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In step 702, theguest optionally logs into system 100. The optional guest log in processincludes identifying the guest profile associated with the guest inprofile database 126. In step 704, the guest enters a query. In apreferred embodiment, such as that illustrated in panel 802 (FIG. 8),the query includes a first and last name and an optional event date.Each registry database 120 is then searched for registries 122 thatmatch the query. As illustrated in panel 804, matching registries aredisplayed by web site 132 and the guest selects one of the matchingregistries 706. When a registry is selected, it is opened, thus allowingthe guest to review the registry over the Internet. An illustrativeopened registry is shown in panel 806 of FIG. 8.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that the guest maymake multiple queries in a single Internet session 718. Each query 704may be for a different party and/or event. Thus, in a single session, aguest may make several different selections, or purchases, from severaldifferent registry databases 120. Each selection made by a guest in asingle Internet session is collected into an aggregated purchase list.At the end of the Internet session, a single aggregated purchasetransaction 720 is performed. If the guest had logged into system 100(702) and the guest profile includes credit card information, the singleaggregated purchase transaction may be automatically performed using theinformation stored in the guest profile. Finally, the session ends 722.In an alternative embodiment, guests do not log into system 100 untilstep 720.

Aggregated Purchase List

In FIG. 9, a representative aggregated purchase list 900 is disclosed.The aggregated purchase list 900 includes a session identifier 902 thatidentifies a particular Internet session, such as a session illustratedin FIG. 7 or FIG. 8. Further, the aggregated purchase list 900 mayinclude a guest general user identifier that is associated with thecustomer. When that is the case, the guest general user identifier isused to obtain credit card information from the associated guestprofile. Aggregated purchase list 900 further designates each registrydatabase provider 906 from which the guest selected a particularregistry item 124 during session 902. When a particular registrydatabase provider has more than one registry database 120 in system 100,the registry database provider field 906 includes a registry databasedesignation 120. Finally, aggregated purchase list 900 includes theregistry items 124 selected by the guest during session 902. Theregistry items, termed order items in FIG. 9, are categorized bydatabase provider 906.

The system and method of the present invention allows guests to purchasegifts directly from retailers without selecting a registry or accessinga registry database. When a guest purchases a gift from a retailerwithout accessing a registry, 906 designates a retailer rather than aregistry database provider. Thus, it is possible for an aggregatedpurchase list 900 to include both records 906 that designate a registrydatabase provider and records 906 that designate a retailer.

The advantage of an aggregated purchase list is that it providesconvenience to the guest. Rather than executing a series of on-linesessions to buy registry items, a guest makes all necessary selectionsduring one session. Further, the aggregated purchase list providestransaction flexibility. That is, all purchases may be made in a singlecredit card transaction by server 100. In such an embodiment, respectiveregistry database providers 906 may have accounts that are credited forpurchases made through server 100. Additionally, separate credit cardtransactions can be arranged for those registry database providers thathave no such account. Most importantly, the credit card transactionsmade, either collective or separate, are transparent to the guest. Nowthat the structure of aggregated purchase list 900 has been disclosed,one of skill in the art will appreciate the convenience that it providesto the guest.

Internet-Based Management of an Aggregated Registry

Referring to FIG. 10, some of the advantages an aggregated registryprovides to a registrant are illustrated. When a registrant logs in tosystem 100 (1002), the general user identifier 302 is obtained from thecorresponding registrant profile 300 (1004). In processing step 1006,general user identifier 302 is used to search each registry database 120in system 100 for registries 122 having general user identifier 302. Thecollective set of matching registries found in processing step 1006 isthe aggregated registry. The user selects one of the registries 122 inthe aggregated registry in processing step 1008 and Internet-basedmanagement of the selected registry is performed in processing step1010. In this manner, the registrant can easily manage each registryassociated with the registrant in system 100 without rememberingspecific details about each registry. Internet-based management of agift registry 122 in processing step 1010 may include any number ofservices. For example, registry items 124 may be added or deleted fromthe selected registry, the purchase order history of the selectedregistry may be reviewed, registry item order quantities may beadjusted, guests that have made orders from the selected registry may beidentified and messages may be sent to such guests.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, it will be appreciated that it ispossible for the registrant to update registrant profile 300 whilelogged into system 100. Such, an update may include personal contactinformation, updating a personal web page, changing an event date,specifying a new event type, updating a credit card number, modifying aguest list or E-mail address, or revising a broadcast message to be sentto select guests.

Internet-Based Management by a Registry Database Provider

Referring to FIG. 11, additional benefits of the present invention aredisclosed. In a first processing step, a registry database provider 118or an agent for the provider specifies a superuser password in anauthentication operation. When a valid superuser password is provided,access is granted to a registry database 120 associated with thesuperuser password. When access is granted to a registry database 120,the services of upload module 128 and download module 130 may beutilized. For example, orders associated with the registry database 120may be reviewed and/or on-line catalog of products offered by theregistry database provider 120 may be updated. In another example, theregistry database 120 may be incrementally or completely updated. As oneof skill in the art will appreciate, however, the registry databaseprovider does not overwrite associations made between particularregistry 122 and registrant general user identifiers 302.

Master Registry Database

The present invention can be used in conjunction with a master registrydatabase. In a preferred embodiment, the master registry database is aregistry database that is maintained by a retailer that has severaloutlet stores. Referring to FIG. 12, each outlet store 1204 has a copyof master registry database 1206. Registry purchases made at each outletstore are tracked by the respective outlet registry database 1204.Outlet registry databases are then resolved with the master registry1206 periodically. The resolve operation typically comprises deducting,from the master registry, the registry items purchased at the outletstores 1204. Because of the framework of system 100, it can serve as anadditional on-line “outlet.” An Internet accessible registry database1202 equivalent to an outlet store database 1204 is placed on system100. Guests make purchases from Internet accessible database 1202.Registrants may identify registries in Internet accessible database 1202for aggregation purposes. Internet accessible registry database 1202 isresolved with master registry database 1206 periodically using thepreviously disclose disclosed upload module 128 and download module 130services. A set up such as that disclosed in FIG. 12 provides aconvenient method by which registry database providers can obtain anInternet presence without investment in special equipment. Further,because aggregation is database structure independent, no modificationof master registry database 1206 is required when creating andsupporting an Internet accessible database 1202.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. For example, it will be appreciated thatone or more components of upload module 128 may be implemented directlywithin web site 132. Further, one or more registry databases 120 mayactually reside on one or more remote servers 142 that are accessible tosystem memory 114 through network interface 112. It is intended that thescope of the inventions be defined by the following claims and theirequivalents.

1-32. (canceled)
 33. A method for purchasing a gift for a registrant ofan event, comprising: receiving a search request from a user;communicating to the user, in response to the search request,information that identifies a plurality of gift registries that matchthe search request, wherein the plurality of gift registries that matchthe search request includes at least a first gift registry and a secondgift registry that are from unaffiliated registry providers; receivingfrom the user a selection of a gift registry from among the plurality ofgift registries; and in response to the selection, accessing over theInternet a remote computer system that hosts the gift registry.
 34. Themethod of claim 33 wherein said first gift registry is from a firstregistry database associated with a first unaffiliated registry providerand said second gift registry is from a second registry databaseassociated with a second unaffiliated registry provider and wherein saidfirst gift registry database and said second registry database havedifferent data structures.
 35. The method of claim 33 wherein saidinformation that identifies a plurality of gift registries includesnames and registry providers associated with the plurality of giftregistries; and said receiving from the user said selection of said giftregistry comprises receiving from said user a selection of a nameassociated with said gift registry.
 36. A method, implemented by a localcomputer system coupled to the Internet, for enabling a user to reviewgift information contained in a gift registry, the method comprising:receiving a search request from the user; conducting a search for giftregistries associated with unaffiliated registry providers, at least oneof said gift registries being located on a remote computer systemcoupled to the Internet, for gift registries that match the searchrequest; transmitting to the user information identifying the matchinggift registries; and facilitating, in response to the user selecting adesired one of the matching gift registries, the presentation to theuser of gift information contained in the desired one gift registry. 37.The method of claim 36 wherein said information identifying the matchinggift registries comprises names and registry providers associated withthe matching gift registries.
 38. The method of claim 36 wherein saidmatching gift registries includes a first gift registry from a firstregistry database associated with a first registry provider and a secondgift registry from a second registry database associated with a secondregistry provider and wherein said first registry database and saidsecond registry database have different data structures.
 39. The methodof claim 36 wherein the desired one gift registry is located on theremote computer system.
 40. The method of claim 36 wherein the desiredone gift registry is located on the local computer system and at leastanother one of the gift registries is located on the local computersystem, the method further comprising: facilitating the selection andpurchasing of a gift item from the desired one gift registry.
 41. Themethod of claim 37 wherein the gift information associated with thedesired one gift registry is a plurality of items and the presentationto the user of gift information comprises providing, for each item inthe plurality of items, a description of the item, a unit price for theitem, and a quantity of the item that is desired.
 42. A method,implemented by a local computer system coupled to the Internet, forenabling a user to review gift information, the method comprising:receiving a search request from the user; searching for gift informationthat matches the search request; communicating to the user a list ofnames and associated event dates, wherein each name matches the searchrequest and wherein the names and associated event dates are associatedwith registries, containing gift information, from more than oneregistry provider, and wherein at least one of said registries islocated on a remote computer system coupled to the Internet; and inresponse to the user selecting a name on the list of names, facilitatingpresentment to the user of gift information contained in the giftregistry associated with the name selected by the user.
 43. The methodof claim 42 wherein said more than one registry provider includesunaffiliated registry providers.
 44. The method of claim 42 wherein thegift information associated with the name selected by the user is aplurality of items and the display to the user of gift informationassociated with the name comprises providing, for each item in saidplurality of items, a description of the item, a unit price for theitem, and a quantity of the item that is desired.
 45. A method,implemented on a computer system, for enabling a user to review a listof names and associated event dates over the Internet, the methodcomprising: receiving a search request from the user; searching for giftregistries that match the search request; and communicating to the userthe list of names and associated event dates, wherein each name in saidlist of names and associated event dates is associated with a giftregistry in a plurality of gift registries that match said searchrequest and wherein at least a first gift registry and a second giftregistry in said plurality of gift registries are associated withunaffiliated registry providers.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein thefirst gift registry is from a first gift registry database associatedwith a first unaffiliated registry provider and the second gift registryis from a second gift registry database that is associated with a secondunaffiliated registry provider and wherein said first gift registrydatabase and said second gift registry database have different datastructures.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein said communicatingcomprises providing, for a name in said list of names, an identifierthat identifies one or more gift registries associated with the name.48. The method of claim 45, wherein said communicating comprisesproviding, for a name in said list of names, an identifier thatidentifies a single gift registry associated with the name.
 49. Themethod of claim 45, the method further comprising: enabling the user toselect a name from said list of names, such that, in response to theselection, a gift registry associated with said name is displayed toenable the user to review items contained in the gift registry.
 50. Amethod for enabling a user to review gift information, the methodcomprising: receiving over the Internet a search request from the user;searching for gift registries that match the search request; andcommunicating over the Internet to the user information that identifiesa plurality of matching gift registries, wherein the plurality ofmatching gift registries includes at least two gift registries fromunaffiliated retailers.
 51. The method of claim 50 wherein saidinformation that identifies a plurality of matching gift registriescomprises names and retailers associated with said plurality of matchinggift registries.
 52. The method of claim 50, the method furthercomprising: enabling the user to make a selection of a name in saidinformation thereby selecting the gift registry from among the pluralityof gift registries that is associated with the selected name.
 53. Themethod of claim 52 wherein, in response to the selection, the user isprovided with information identifying items included in the selectedgift registry.
 54. The method of claim 50 wherein said searching forregistries occurs over the Internet.
 55. The method of claim 50, furthercomprising: receiving, from the user, a selection of a gift registryfrom among the matching gift registries and, in response to theselection, causing information concerning items contained in theselected gift registry to be presented to the user.
 56. The method ofclaim 55, the method further comprising enabling the user to purchase anitem contained in the selected registry.
 57. A method for enabling auser to review gift information, the method comprising: receiving overthe Internet a search request from the user; searching, among at leasttwo retailers, for a gift registry that matches the search request; andcommunicating, over the Internet, to the user information identifyingthe matching gift registry.
 58. The method of claim 57 wherein theinformation identifying the matching gift registry comprises a name or aretailer associated with the gift registry.
 59. The method of claim 57wherein the at least two retailers are unaffiliated retailers.
 60. Themethod of claim 57, further comprising causing information concerninggift items contained in the matching gift registry to be presented tothe user.
 61. The method of claim 57, the method further comprising:receiving a request to purchase a gift item in the matching giftregistry; and facilitating the purchase of the gift item.
 62. A methodfor enabling the purchase of a gift for a registrant of an event,comprising: receiving a search request from a user; communicating to theuser, in response to the search request, information that identifies aplurality of gift registries that match the search request, wherein theplurality of gift registries that match the search request includes atleast two gift registries from unaffiliated registry providers; andenabling the user to make a selection of a gift registry from among theplurality of gift registries such that, in response to the selection, aremote computer system that hosts the selected gift registry is accessedover the Internet.
 63. The method of claim 62 wherein the informationthat identifies the plurality of gift registries comprises names andregistry providers associated with the plurality of gift registries; andsaid enabling the user to make a selection of the gift registrycomprises enabling the user to make a selection of a name associatedwith the gift registry.
 64. The method of claim 62, the method furthercomprising: presenting the user with a gift item list from the selectedgift registry.
 65. The method of claim 62, the method furthercomprising: receiving a request to purchase a gift item in said giftitem list; and facilitating the purchase of said gift item.
 66. A methodimplemented by a computer system coupled to the Internet for enabling auser to review, over the Internet, gift information associated with anevent, the method comprising: enabling the user to enter a searchrequest; communicating, in response to the search request, a list ofnames and associated event dates, wherein each name in said list matchesthe search request and wherein the list of names and associated eventdates collectively represents gift information contained in associatedgift registries hosted by more than one registry provider; receivingfrom the user a selection of a name on the list; and causing, inresponse to the selection, gift information contained in the giftregistry associated with the selected name to be presented.
 67. Themethod of claim 66, the method further comprising: enabling the user topurchase a gift item identified by the gift information.
 68. A methodimplemented by a computer system for enabling a user to review a giftregistry over the Internet, the method comprising: receiving a searchrequest from the user; searching at least two unaffiliated registryproviders for a gift registry that matches the search request; andcommunicating to the user a name and an event date associated with thematching gift registry.
 69. A method implemented by a computer systemcoupled to the Internet for enabling a user to review, over theInternet, gift information associated with an event, the methodcomprising: receiving a search request; communicating, in response tosaid search request, a plurality of names and associated event dates,wherein each name of said plurality matches the search request andwherein the plurality of names and associated event dates are associatedwith gift registries hosted by more than one registry provider; and inresponse to a selection of a name from among said plurality of names,causing the gift information contained in the gift registry associatedwith the selected name to be presented.
 70. The method of claim 69, themethod further comprising enabling the user to purchase a gift itemidentified by the gift information.
 71. A method for providing a list ofnames and associated event dates over the Internet, comprising:receiving a search request; communicating, in response to the searchrequest, the list of names and associated event dates, wherein names insaid list match the search request, and wherein the names and associatedevent dates in said list identify a plurality of gift registries, atleast two of the plurality of gift registries being associated withunaffiliated registry providers.
 72. A method implemented by a computersystem for enabling a user to review a gift registry over the Internet,the method comprising: receiving a single search request; searching fora gift registry, which matches the single search request, in theregistries of a first retailer; causing the user's computer system topresent information that identifies a matching gift registry when amatching gift registry is identified in the registries of the firstretailer; searching for a gift registry, which matches the single searchrequest, in the registries of a second retailer; and causing the user'scomputer system to present information that identifies a matching giftregistry when a matching gift registry is identified in the registriesof the second retailer.